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The Joint Return

By Melvyn B. Frumkes
June 28, 2006

Generally, a joint return must be signed by both spouses to be considered as such. Since there may be substantial savings by filing a joint return over filing under the married, separate rates, if one spouse refuses to sign a joint return, can or should the divorce court require the recalcitrant spouse to do so? Many trial judges require the spouse to sign the return, or at least threaten to, but is it proper?

Courts Should Not Require Signing Joint Return

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